Tips for Communicating with a Senior with Hearing Loss

communicating elderly with hearing problems

Communication can be difficult enough for two people who can speak and hear perfectly well. However, if you’re communicating with a senior with hearing loss, it can be even more challenging. It can also be frustrating for both parties. 

communicating elderly with hearing problems

Seniors who experience hearing impairments, whether age-related or not, can feel misunderstood in many ways. They may also feel isolated and so, would even withdraw from social situations, even simple routine conversations. All this can take a toll on their confidence, dignity, and overall quality of life.

While there are hearing impairments that can be remedied by assistive devices such as hearing aids, not all types of hearing loss can be dealt with by this kind of treatment. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can communicate effectively with your senior loved ones so that you can improve the way you converse and relate with each other.

You can take a cue from the following tips to help you communicate better with a senior who has hearing loss or hearing impairments.

Tips for Communicating with a Senior with Hearing Loss

1. Get their attention first. In order for you to initiate a conversation, you have to get their attention first. Instead of shouting their names, you have to make more effort. This can be done by stepping into their line of sight, gently waving a hand at them, or tapping them lightly on their shoulder. Be careful not to startle them in the process.

2. Reduce background noise. You have to get rid of other background noise or distractions if you are to talk to them better. If you’re in a public place, take them aside to somewhere quieter or less crowded.

3. Take turns talking. For people who have normal hearing, talking over each other can be spontaneous and fine. However, for elderly people with hearing problems, this can be more difficult. Try to make sure that only one person talks at a time.

4. Speak clearly and in a well-modulated voice. You don’t have to shout to be heard. As long as you’re talking clearly and loudly close to them, it’s going to be fine. While it’s true that a slightly raised voice is better, you don’t have to go over-the-top. Be mindful of speaking clearly and at a reasonably slow pace that the elderly can follow.

5. Be prepared to repeat yourself. Know that you may not be clearly understood on your first try. Don’t hesitate to ask if you’re understood, or look for cues from their facial expression if they understood you. You may need to repeat yourself verbatim or rephrase yourself.

6. Appearances and visual cues matter. Help them better understand what you’re saying with the use of gestures and other visual cues. Make sure to also face them directly when you’re talking.

Have you tried to see a doctor about your elderly parent or loved ones’ hearing problems?

At Blessed Home, our caregivers and staff are trained and experienced at handling clients who have hearing impairments. Talk to us or send us a message to schedule a visit to see our facility for yourself.

 

 

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